Alberta Association of Optometrists

The Alberta Association of Optometrists represents more than 700 optometrists across the province

The Alberta Association of Optometrists represents more than 700 optometrists across the province. The Association works to promote excellence in the practice of optometry, to enhance public recognition of optometry as the primary vision care provider in Alberta, and to advance the interests of the profession. For more information or to find an optometrist, visit www.optometrists.ab.ca.

Digital eye strain is caused by several factors, including exposure to blue light that is emitted by digital devices and staring at objects up close for extended periods of time. People typically blink 12 times a minute, but when they stare at a screen, they tend to only blink five times a minute, which means their eyes are not being lubricated properly.

During a recent ski trip to Banff, I was surprised to witness the number of people on the mountain without any type of protective eyewear. While most skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers on the mountain had the proper gear to protect their head, body, hands and feet, they fell short on protecting one of their bodies' most valuable assets -- their eyes.

A recent survey commissioned by the Alberta Association of Optometrists revealed that nearly 40 per cent of Albertans surveyed do not have a regular optometrist. When patients bypass their annual eye exam, they don't understand that the consequences could last a lifetime. This oversight results in significant costs for individuals whose lives have been affected, while vision loss is also quickly becoming a major burden for taxpayers and the Alberta economy.